TG Ch 2 Part 2

Sijin hadn’t realized how technologically challenged Ham Geonwu was. However, he could empathize with Jeong Taeyul’s frustration; quick-witted individuals like him often faced the dilemma of wondering why others didn’t understand something immediately. Sijin himself used to have similar thoughts when he believed he was particularly smart. But after realizing that everyone comprehends information differently, Sijin learned to adapt his explanations accordingly.

After listening to Sijin’s explanation for some time, Ham Geonwu exclaimed, “Wow, it’s much easier when you explain it, Doctor!”

“Really?”

Sijin found Ham Geonwu’s delight at understanding the function quite adorable.

“You’re not good with machines, are you?”

“Damn, I wish I was better, but it just doesn’t come naturally.”

“How cute…” Sijin whispered softly, almost talking to himself.

Suddenly, a sharp voice interrupted him.

“Did you say ‘cute’?”

It was Jeong Taeyul. Sijin flinched slightly and glanced sideways, noticing his subtle smirk. Sijin rolled his eyes, trying to gauge his reaction. Unaware of the tension, Ham Geonwu continued wrestling with the pad.

Soon, Jeong Taeyul casually draped his arm around Ham Geonwu’s shoulders, drawing attention to himself.

“Hey, Ham.”

“Hm?”

“Didn’t you hear that? Someone thinks you’re cute.”

“Me? Ha, I’ve always been super cute.” Ham Geonwu spoke as if it was obvious but couldn’t hide his pride, puffing out his chest and grinning widely at the compliment.

“It seems our Doctor has quite an interest in you, Ham Geonwu,” Jeong Taeyul observed with a smile while alternating glances between Sijin and Ham Geonwu. As Geonwu’s shoulders puffed up, Sijin visibly shrank back. With dark circles under his eyes, Jeong Taeyul looked menacing, making him feel uneasy about provoking him further.

After gathering some courage, Sijin tentatively suggested, “I could… tell you something.”

“Oh really? Then tell me—”

Suddenly, a sharp alarm echoed throughout the center, causing all the Ability Users present to jump to their feet. Initially puzzled, Sijin quickly realized the gravity of the situation: It was a monster invasion alert.

Sijin belatedly realized that this alarm was an order to mobilize. By the time he came to this conclusion, all the Ability Users had already sprang into action.

“Command Center.” With those brief words, Jeong Taeyul sprinted away. Although he was prohibited from going out on missions, the Command Center was located within the Center’s premises, allowing him to participate there.

As expected, Ham Geonwu immediately responded, “Well, then Doctor.”

“Huh? What?”

Before Sijin could react, his world spun around without notice. When he regained his senses, he found himself draped over Ham Geonwu’s shoulder like a limp piece of laundry.

“I-I can run myself!” Despite his fervent protests, Ham Geonwu paid no heed.

The first place Sijin’s feet touched solid ground again was near the research building. Brushing aside his disheveled hair, he began to assess the situation.

A black armed helicopter hovered overhead. Red warning lights flashed everywhere, and armed Ability Users swiftly darted around. Armed guards stood by the research and administrative buildings where key personnel were located. The tension was palpable, causing Sijin’s face to drain of color.

Suddenly, he heard a cheerful voice.

“Why does your face look so pale again? Don’t let it get to you.”

“…Excuse me?”

“We’re at the F12 Center.”

Despite the blaring alarms, Ham Geonwu laughed nonchalantly, much like he had been during their conversation at the cafe earlier. Seeing his smile, Sijin felt certain that even if they found themselves surrounded by flames, Ham Geonwu would remain composed.

“But there’s a monster out there.”

“And that’s why I’m here.”

“…..”

“Don’t be nervous.” Ham Geonwu placed the travel mug in Sijin’s hand using telekinesis. His large, warm hand enveloped both his and the mug simultaneously.

“Our doctor should just relax and enjoy his coffee.” Sijin stared blankly at the travel mug. Ham Geonwu smiled confidently at him. As he gradually relaxed, albeit awkwardly, and returned his smile, he spoke into his earpiece.

“Yeah, Captain. Understood. I’m on my way.”

Judging by Ham Geonwu’s frown as he removed the earpiece, Jeong Taeyul had likely been cursing him out.

“I’ll be back soon!” With that cheerful farewell, Ham Geonwu hopped onto the waiting jeep parked behind them, gesturing for Sijin to drink his coffee even as he climbed aboard. Sijin watched him drive away with a wistful smile.

Yes, why was he nervous when Ham Geonwu was here?

The boy who had saved him was now a more powerful Ability User protecting them all. There was no need to worry anymore. Feeling slightly relieved, Sijin’s purpose became clearer. She briskly headed back to the lab and maintained his usual composed demeanor.

“Could you please compile a list of the Ability Users participating this time?”

“Yes, Sir.”

However, as he reviewed their charts, concern clouded his face. Despite Ham Geonwu being there, he couldn’t completely shake off his unease. Managing these Ability Users was his responsibility; how could he not be worried? As armed helicopters flew further away outside the window, Sijin couldn’t hide his growing anxiety.

***

Sijin often had nightmares, and each one was equally terrifying. He had been fortunate enough to avoid debris, becoming trapped in a narrow gap instead. But could it truly be considered lucky? Surrounded by unstable concrete rubble, he spent agonizing hours holding someone covered in blood.

‘It’s okay, somebody… somebody will come soon. It’ll be alright…’

Sijin sobbed anxiously. He heard the loud creaking of metal beams nearby. The acrid smell of melting steel filled his nostrils, and the metallic taste of blood lingered in his mouth. Meanwhile, the person he desperately tried to protect in his arms gradually began gasping for breath with weakening lungs.

He felt suffocated, as if drowning.

Panic quickly eroded his rationality. In the darkness, he lost track of time as well. Despite knowing it was just a dream, Sijin felt like that day’s terror would never end. The suffocating claustrophobia and helplessness at not being able to reassure the dying person in his arms felt like an unrelenting chokehold around his neck.

Suddenly, everything lit up before his eyes.

There stood Ham Geonwu in front of Sijin. It wasn’t his ten-year-old self but rather his current adult form, much taller than him now.

‘Why so nervous?’

He flashed his signature bright smile at him and extended his hand, which had grown significantly larger than his.

‘I’m here.’

Brrr-brrr-brrr-brrr-brrr!

Before he could grasp his hand, the menacing sound of helicopters startled him awake from his dream.

“Ahh…” Sijin had dozed off in the examination room chair. He rubbed his stiff neck and looked out the window to see black military helicopters swiftly returning to the Center. It was already past four o’clock in the morning, so he realized he’d slept for only about ten minutes. And what a horrifying nightmare it had been during that brief time.

However, Sijin pushed those thoughts aside to focus on assessing the injuries of the Ability Users. He hurriedly picked up his tablet to check the situation.

[Mission accomplished.]

[All Ability Users en route back to base.]

[No casualties; three injured being transferred to hospital.]

Sijin reviewed the details more thoroughly upon seeing there were wounded. Thankfully, their injuries were minor. These three would be monitored by both doctors and himself during their recovery period.

Considering this outcome, it was still a successful monster extermination mission.

‘That’s good…’

Relieved, Sijin leaned back in his chair.

On days when Ability Users were deployed, examiners took turns standing by at the Center. Today, Sijin had volunteered for duty. Half of the Ability Users had participated without taking the stimulants based on his suggestion. Additionally, he was concerned about Ham Geonwu’s condition as an A-rank. Jeong Taeyul, who wasn’t allowed to participate in field operations, could be monitored from the Command Center, reducing some of his worries.

‘Right, inspection.’

Sijin hastily picked up his pad. Where was the function for sending a general announcement? He regretted not learning more from Diagnostic Examiner Shin Dayoung beforehand. In truth, the system used at the Center was indeed complex enough to confuse even Ham Geonwu.

After struggling, Sijin finally located the announcement feature and sent a message to the returning Ability Users.

[Ability Users with abnormal energy readings or those specifically called by the Center, please report to the lab immediately.]

[Delta Team Park Jaesung, Delta Team Ju Hayeong, Fox Team Kim Surin, Alpha Team Jeong Taeyul, Alpha Team Ham Geonwu]

[-Diagnostic Examiner Team Baek Sijin]

These were the Ability Users whose wave energy readings showed slight anomalies today. They didn’t require extensive examination; just a simple checkup considering their physical condition was planned before sending them on their way. If they had overused their abilities and were under undue stress, it wouldn’t be prudent to recommend Guiding yet, as excessive strain could occur depending on the compatibility rate. As the on-call doctor, if all returnees checked out fine, Sijin would finish his shift early.

At that moment, Baek Sijin received a message on his pad. Usually, he exchanged messages with examiners, but this was the first time someone outside of them had contacted him personally.

[Ham Geonwu: Doc]

“….?”

Ham Geonwu? Doc…? Baek Sijin’s sleepy eyes widened. Was something wrong?

After a brief pause, another message arrived.

[Ham Geonwu: Doctor]

[Ham Geonwu: I’m here.]

A smile slowly spread across Baek Sijin’s frozen face. Feeling slightly giddy, he glanced elsewhere while typing and sent a concerned reply.

[Baek Sijin: You’ve really been through a lot. How’s your body holding up?]

[Ham Geonwu: Just tired…]

‘He’s such a…’

Baek Sijin let out a small sigh of relief, finding Ham Geonwu’s immediate message upon arrival quite endearing.

[Ham Geonwu: (Photo Attached: Live Transmission from Scene)]

At that moment, Ham Geonwu suddenly sent a photo. Due to security concerns, images couldn’t be stored on the Center’s pad; thus, it was a live transmission taken at that instant.

[Ham Geonwu: I brought a gift for Doctor.]

[Ham Geonwu: As thanks for the exam and study help earlier.]

As thanks? With his heart fluttering, Sijin checked the photo.

The background looked familiar. It was the hallway of the Center with several Ability User agents walking around. In the middle of the picture, Ham Geonwu grinned broadly. The selfie didn’t quite capture his good looks, suggesting he might lack talent for taking selfies. Half a step behind him stood Jeong Taeyul, eyeing Ham Geonwu disapprovingly, with noticeable dark circles under his eyes.

In the picture, Ham Geonwu held something in his hand. Only the top part of a smooth glass cylinder was visible, making it impossible to identify what it was. It seemed like he intentionally left some mystery around it.

‘Is he that grateful?’

Sijin couldn’t help but smile at the thought. He had merely done his job, yet Ham Geonwu felt indebted to him.